Effects of flameless catalytic infrared radiation on Sitophilus oryzae (L.) life stages

A laboratory benchtop flameless catalytic infrared emitter was evaluated against all life stages of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), an insect species associated with stored wheat. The emitted infrared radiation was in the 3-7 μm range. A non-contact infrared thermometer measured grain temperatures continuously during exposures of infested wheat. Insect mortality was a function of the final grain temperature attained. In general, higher grain temperatures were attained when using 113.5 versus 227.0 g of wheat, and at 8.0 cm from the emitter versus 12.7 cm, and during a 60 s exposure versus a 45 s exposure. Complete mortality of all life stages of S. oryzae was achieved at 8.0 cm from the emitter using 113.5 g of wheat, with a 60 s exposure; the mean grain temperatures attained ranged from 108.4 to 111.8 °C. The log odds ratio tests showed that eggs (0 days old) were the least susceptible stage to infrared radiation, followed by adults within kernels (28 days old), pupae (24 days old), young larvae (7 days old), larvae that were 14-21 days old, and adults (42 days old). These data using small amounts of grain indicate infrared radiation from the flameless catalytic emitter to be a viable option for disinfesting wheat containing various life stages of S. oryzae.